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Diagnostic lower leg MRI scans

Read more about what a lower leg MRI scan is, why you might need one and what can be detected from a lower leg MRI scan. 

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Refer yourself

Why choose Vista Health for your lower leg MRI scan?

  • Affordable

    Scans from £249. See the table below for full price list.

  • Accessible

    We offer lower leg MRI scans throughout the UK.

  • Support

    Our dedicated Patient Care Team is available from 8am to 8pm weekdays, and 8am to 1pm weekends.

Fast, affordable private MRI scans for the lower leg

An MRI scan of the lower leg can identify problems, diagnose conditions, and help plan treatment. If an abnormality has shown up on an X-ray, for example, or if there's a mass that can be felt during a physical examination, it could be time for an MRI scan of the lower leg. A lower leg MRI covers the area between the knee and ankle.

Vista Health offers affordable private MRI scans of the lower leg across the UK. With no waiting lists and weekend appointments, we can offer an MRI scan at short notice, at a time that suits your busy schedule.  

Lower Leg MRI

What is a lower leg MRI scan?

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which is a way of taking pictures inside the body using magnetic fields and radio waves. It’s a safe, painless and non-invasive procedure capturing high-quality images. Unlike X-rays, MRI doesn’t use potentially harmful radiation.

The lower leg is comprised of bones, muscles, and other soft tissue including cartilage and nerves. A lower leg MRI scan produces detailed, cross-sectional images allowing your radiologist to examine the inner structure. 

What can a lower leg MRI scan detect?

The lower leg MRI scan will reveal any damage or abnormalities in your  

  • Bones (tibia and fibula) 

  • Calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) 

  • Tendons and ligaments 

  • Cartilage 

  • Nerves 

 

Depending on the results, your radiologist could diagnose any of a range of conditions, including 

  • Fractures 

  • Soft tissue-related sprains 

  • Muscle strains and tears 

  • Nerve compression 

  • Tendonitis 

  • Osteoarthritis 

  • Osgood-Schlatter disease 

  • Achilles tendinopathy 

  • Shin splints 

  • Compartment syndrome 

 

Armed with detailed knowledge of the cause of your lower leg pain, your physician will be able to plan and prescribe appropriate treatment. 

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How do I prepare for a leg MRI scan?

Our patient care team will ensure you’re ready for your scan, but you can help by telling them about your medical history. Unless you’re asked to do otherwise, you can continue to eat, drink and take medication as normal before your scan.  

 

Some implants and conditions may affect how your MRI scan is performed, or whether it’s safe to do it at all. These include 

  • cochlear implants 

  • ICDs (implantable cardioverter-defibrillators) 

  • pacemakers 

  • artificial joints 

  • artificial heart valves 

  • allergy to MRI contrast material 

  • pregnancy 

  • claustrophobia 

 

If any of these applies to you, please raise the issue with the patient care team before booking an appointment. 

 

What happens during a lower leg MRI scan, and how long does it take?

Your radiologist will ask you to take off any jewellery and empty your pockets, or you may be asked to change into a gown. You’ll then lie on the MRI table during the scan. A lower leg MRI scan takes around 40 minutes, and we would ask you to arrive around 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. 

MRI Scan Patient

Step by step

Your lower leg MRI scan journey

Here’s what to expect when you book a private lower leg MRI scan with Vista Health  

  • Appointment booking

    Decide on a location and date, then submit the self-referral form or book online. Alternatively, contact our dedicated patient care team for advice and support.

  • Attend your diagnostic appointment

    Attend your chosen centre on the day of your appointment. Your lower leg MRI scan should take about 40 minutes. We ask you to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.

  • Results

    Receive a full report and scan images within three days. Add an optional consultation with one of our dedicated private GPs to explain your results. Save 20% on consultation fees when you book along with your scan.

How much does a private lower leg MRI scan cost?

Our private lower leg MRI scan service starts at just £249, with no hidden extras. A full report is included in the price, and available within three working days of the scan.
Label and description Value
Fast Track MRI
Scan within 7 days
£365
Standard MRI
Scan from 7 days
£345
Off-Peak MRI Scan
Limited fixed scan times
£249

Refer yourself or book online now

There are a number of ways to access an MRI scan with Vista Health. You don’t normally need a GP referral, but if you have one, you can submit a referral letter here. 

 

Refer yourself

Fill in the self-referral form and our Patient Care Team will contact you directly. 

 

Book online now

Book your own appointment in a few easy steps. 

 

Enquire now 

Ask us any questions you may have before booking. 

 

If you already have a referral letter 

You don’t normally need a GP referral, but if you have one, you can submit a referral letter here. 

 

If you don’t have a referral, but would like one 

In some circumstances, you might prefer to have a referral from one of our own private GPs. We can arrange this quickly and easily, with a 20% discount on consultancy fees when you book along with your scan. 

 

Call us on 0333 331 5779

Our Patient Care Team is available from 8am to 8pm weekdays, and 8am to 1pm weekends.

 

Patient Satisfaction 4216

How can we help?

Support

If you’re about to begin a healthcare journey, you’re likely to have a few questions. We’ve tried to answer the most common queries here - but if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can always ask one of our friendly patient care advisors.   

Can you help me understand my results? 

If you’d like to discuss your scan results with one of our GPs, you can arrange a consultation. There’s a 20% discount on consultation fees if you book when you arrange your scan.  

Can I refer myself? 

We accept self-referral in most cases. Self-referral allows you to take control of your own health with direct access to our own specialist diagnostic services. We also offer a GP consultation service to provide you with a referral if you need one.

What if I need an open or upright scanner?

For some patients - including those with restricted mobility, anxiety and people with claustrophobia - the standard ‘tunnel-style’ MRI scanner may be challenging. An alternative is the open and upright scanner, which can be more comfortable for some patients. This provides comfort and reassurance, and offers a variety of scanning positions including sitting, standing, leaning, and lying. 

What body part can I have scanned?

We offer a range of MRI scans to assist you in obtaining the diagnosis you require.

Can you help me understand my results? 

We will send your diagnostic report to your referrer or GP, or if you’d like to discuss your scan results with one of our GPs, you can arrange a consultation. There’s a 20% discount on consultation fees if you book when you arrange your scan.  

How long does an MRI scan take?

Most scans take between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the size of the area we’re investigating. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. 

How much will an MRI scan cost?

Our MRI scans start from £249. The fee includes a full written report within 3 working days, and access to your images online to view, download or share with a medical professional such as your GP. When you book online, you’ll have the option to spread the cost over three months, interest free.  

How soon can I have my MRI scan?

With MRI facilities across the UK, we can offer scans at short notice. We work evenings, weekends and bank holidays, and you can self-refer and book here>> 

 

Can I refer myself for an MRI?

We accept self-referral in most cases. We also offer a GP consultation service to provide you with a referral if you need one